THEY WERE MORE THAN BROTHER AND SISTER, THEY WERE…— A HEARTBROKEN FATHER HAS SPOKEN OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER HIS 6-YEAR-OLD SON AND 7-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER WERE KI-LLED IN THE BOAT TRAGEDY ON GENEVA LAKE IN WISCONSIN… EVERY WORD OF HIS TRIBUTE HAS LEFT PEOPLE IN TEARS
The siblings were two of three children who died when the boat capsized on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin on July 3.
Caleb and Abigail Oswald, who died in a boating accident on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin on July 3.Credit : GoFundMe
Two of the three children who died in a boating incident on a Wisconsin lake have been identified.
Geneva Lake Police said 10 people were on board “a privately owned recreational motorboat” when it sank in Geneva Lake amid severe weather on Friday, July 3.
Three of the 10 people, all children, died as a result of the incident, a police spokesperson previously told PEOPLE.
Family has identified two of the victims via GoFundMe as 6-year-old Caleb Oswald and 7-year-old Abigail Oswald.
“Caleb and Abigail were more than brother and sister—they were best friends,” family said in the description of the online fundraiser. “They filled our home with laughter, music, hugs, and endless love. They were deeply loved by their family, friends, teachers, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.”
The loved ones said Caleb “had the sweetest heart and a smile that could brighten anyone’s day,” while Abigail “was full of personality and had the quickest wit of anyone we knew.”
Caleb loved music and “was always asking Alexa to play his favorite songs,” according to family. He was also “fascinated by trucks of every kind” and loved Chick-fil-A so much that “he wanted to work there when he grew up.”
“Caleb found happiness in the simple things, and his laughter and excitement were contagious,” they added.
Caleb and Abigail Oswald are two of the three children who died in a boating accident on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin on July 3.GoFundMe
Meanwhile, loved ones said Abigail “loved swimming, dancing, and filling every room with her energy.” They also claimed she “had a huge heart” and “dreamed of becoming a teacher one day.”
“She always had a funny comment or joke ready and could make everyone around her laugh,” family said, later describing her as “kind, loving, and wise beyond her years.”
A spokesperson for Community Unit School District 200, based in Wheaton, Ill., confirmed to PEOPLE that two students who died in the accident attended a school in the district.
“On behalf of Community Unit School District 200, our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the children who died in a tragic boating incident in Lake Geneva on July 3,” the spokesperson says. “We ask that you join us in supporting these families during this difficult time, and keep them in your thoughts as we all cope with this incredible loss.”
Community Unit School District 200 did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
More than $95,000 has been raised through the GoFundMe as of Wednesday, July 8.
Loved ones said the funds “will be donated to support children and families through a charitable organization, ensuring Caleb and Abigail’s memory continues to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
“While our hearts are broken beyond words, we want their legacy to be one of hope, compassion, and helping others,” they explained..
Caleb and Abigail Oswald are being remembered by family as “best friends”.GoFundMe
Police previously said an investigation determined that the 25-foot 2024 Nautique P25 boat the kids were on was attempting to find safe harbor when it was hit by at least two large waves, according to WGN and CBS affiliate WBBM.
The boat then began to take on water before it rolled, sending all 10 people into the water, they added.
The passengers on the boat were from Batavia, Ill., and Wheaton, Ill., as well as Fontana, Wisc., police said, according to the reports.
Divers reportedly found the children who died inside the boat, which was found in 32 feet of water. Their preliminary cause of death was determined to be drowning.
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The third victim who died has been identified by authorities as a 10-year-old child. Their name has not yet been released.
Police said the 47-year-old man operating the boat at the time of the incident had extensive boat experience, according to the reports.
Investigators said all of the children on board were wearing life jackets.